Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels prediction: Vermont's rebuilt roster opens against Iona with Gus Yalden at center stage
Two programs that return barely a quarter of last season's minutes open in New Rochelle, and the clearest known quantity on the floor wears Vermont green.
| Spread | Iona -1 |
|---|---|
| Total (over/under) | 145.5 |
- Expect a deliberate, half-court game: Vermont leans on Yalden's interior scoring while Iona's new backcourt hunts threes at home.
- Gus Yalden against an Iona frontcourt that lost Lamin Sabally; Yalden carried a 33.6% usage rate last season.
- Iona is a 1-point favorite. The total has slipped from 147.5 to 145.5, and Vermont played at the 330th-fastest pace last season.
Two rebuilds, one opening night
Tonight's opener in New Rochelle is a first look at two programs that rebuilt their rosters. Vermont returns just 27.2% of last season's minutes, and Iona isn't far off at 27.4%. The Catamounts list 11 newcomers alongside four returning players.
That makes last season's team numbers a shaky guide for both sides. Expectations still differ. Vermont was picked first in the America East preseason poll with seven first-place votes, coming off a run to the conference title game that ended with a loss to UMBC. Dan Geriot's Iona was picked fourth in the Metro coaches' poll and received one first-place vote. This is also Iona's home opener at Hynes, and the last time these teams played here, Iona escaped 62-59.
Yalden and who's left
John Becker, in his 16th season, has one proven option to build around. Gus Yalden, a preseason all-conference pick, averaged 16.1 points last season while taking on a heavy share of the offense. He shot 50.7% from the floor and can step out, hitting 41 threes.
Noah Barnett is the efficient complement inside, converting 66.3% of his shots last season in a low-usage role. The surprise of the preseason is Momo Nkugwa, a bench guard who averaged 2.9 points last season but led Vermont with 23 in an exhibition win over Saint Michael's. The Catamounts went 3-0 in exhibitions.
The new backcourt runs through Darrel Yepdo, who started every game at UMass Lowell and averaged 10.3 points. Watch, too, for Khalil Badru, who comes over from Iona and gets an early look at his old building.
Iona's shooters, Iona's arc defense
Iona's identity last season lived beyond the arc on both ends. The Gaels held opponents to 30.6% from three, 32nd in Division I. Vermont took 44.9% of its shots from deep last season, so that perimeter defense is the piece of Iona's profile most likely to matter, if it carries over to a new group.
Offensively, Iona lost Toby Harris and his 90 threes, plus leading scorer CJ Anthony. Luke Jungers is the returning marksman after hitting 43.9% of his threes last season off the bench. Idaho State transfer Martin Kheil brings volume, with 67 made threes a year ago. Kosy Akametu, the top returning scorer at 11.0 points, and Holy Cross transfer Aiden Disu give Iona a pair of experienced wings who can create their own shots.
Tempo and the total
Vermont squeezed possessions last season. Vermont played at 64.3 possessions per 40 minutes last season, 330th of 365, and finished first nationally in defensive rebound rate, the share of opponents' misses it grabbed. With so much roster change, that style is the part most likely to survive, since it belongs to the coach rather than the players.
The market sees a near-even game. Iona is a 1-point favorite, with moneylines close to even. The total has come down from 147.5 when our feed first saw it to 145.5, a drift toward a slower game. Vermont enters the opener on a five-game win streak.
What to watch - Whether Iona can keep Yalden off the block without fouling. - Iona's three-point volume against a Vermont team that limits second chances. - Nkugwa's minutes: was the exhibition a fluke or a new role?
Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels line movement and odds
| Book | Catamounts ML | Gaels ML | Catamounts spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | -110 | -115 | +1.5 (-130) | o145.5 (-115) |
| BetRivers | -120 | -105 | -0.5 (-120) | o145.5 (-109) |
| DraftKings | -115 | -105 | -1.5 (+105) | o145.5 (-105) |
| ESPN BET | -115 | -105 | -1.5 (+100) | o145.5 (-105) |
| Fanatics | -110 | -110 | -1 (-105) | o145.5 (-110) |
| FanDuel | -110 | -110 | +1.5 (-122) | o145.5 (-115) |
| Hard Rock Bet | -120 | -105 | -1.5 (+100) | o145.5 (-110) |
| Caesars | -120 | +100 | -1 (-110) | o145.5 (-110) |
Where the money is on Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels
On the Kalshi moneyline: Vermont Catamounts: 60% of bets, 46% of the money; Iona Gaels: 40% of bets, 54% of the money. On the Kalshi spread: Iona Gaels -1.5: 50% of bets, 0% of the money; Vermont Catamounts +1.5: 50% of bets, 100% of the money. On the Kalshi total: Over 145.5: 0% of bets, 0% of the money; Under 145.5: 100% of bets, 100% of the money.
Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels stats (this season)
| Stat | Vermont Catamounts | Iona Gaels |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Adjusted offensive efficiency | 107.0 (207th of 365) | 103.6 (269th of 365) |
| Adjusted defensive efficiency | 112.6 (246th of 365) | 110.7 (209th of 365) |
| Adjusted net efficiency | -5.5 (226th of 365) | -7.1 (243rd of 365) |
Key players
- Gus Yalden (Vermont): Averaged 16.1 points last season with a 33.6% usage rate, the focal point of the offense.
- Noah Barnett (Vermont): Shot 66.3% from the floor last season in 22.3 minutes per game.
- Momo Nkugwa (Vermont): Scored a team-high 23 in the exhibition win over Saint Michael's after averaging 2.9 points last season.
- Darrel Yepdo (Vermont): Started all 33 games at UMass Lowell last season, averaging 10.3 points and 3.2 assists.
- Luke Jungers (Iona): Hit 43.9% of his 98 three-point attempts last season.
- Kosy Akametu (Iona): Iona's top returning scorer at 11.0 points per game last season.
- Aiden Disu (Iona): Started all 29 games at Holy Cross last season, averaging 10.8 points and 5.1 rebounds.
- Martin Kheil (Iona): Made 67 threes at 35.3% for Idaho State last season.
Numbers that matter
| Vermont returning minutes | 27.2% | Most of last season's 22-12 team is gone, so its team stats are a weak guide. |
|---|---|---|
| Iona opponent 3-point % (last season) | 30.6% | Ranked 32nd nationally, the strength Vermont's three-heavy shooters will test. |
| Vermont pace (last season) | 64.3 | 330th of 365, a Becker trademark likely to hold through the roster churn. |
| Total | 145.5 | Down from 147.5 when our feed first recorded the game. |
| Spread | -1.0 | Iona is a 1-point home favorite. |
Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels: quick answers
Who is favored in Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels?
Iona is favored by 1 points (Iona -1).
What is the over/under for Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels?
The total is 145.5 points.
When is Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels?
Monday, November 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET.
Where is Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels played?
Hynes Athletics Center, New Rochelle, NY.
Has the line moved for Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels?
Yes: Vermont Catamounts opened +1 and is now -1.5, and the total moved from 147.5 to 145.5 (consensus of the regulated US sportsbooks since we first saw the game).
Where is the money on Vermont Catamounts vs Iona Gaels?
On the Kalshi moneyline: Vermont Catamounts: 60% of bets, 46% of the money; Iona Gaels: 40% of bets, 54% of the money. On the Kalshi spread: Iona Gaels -1.5: 50% of bets, 0% of the money; Vermont Catamounts +1.5: 50% of bets, 100% of the money. On the Kalshi total: Over 145.5: 0% of bets, 0% of the money; Under 145.5: 100% of bets, 100% of the money.